Chief Financial Officer

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and The Ellington Fund are premier, mission-driven 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to academic excellence and artistic achievement. Serving as a nationally recognized model for arts education, the organizations operate in a dynamic, creative environment that requires both operational rigor and visionary leadership.

**POSITION SUMMARY**

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and a strategic partner to the Principal/Head of Schools and Board of Directors. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for shaping financial strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability, and strengthening organizational infrastructure.

The CFO will oversee all financial operations across two affiliated nonprofit entities and play a critical role in aligning financial stewardship with institutional growth, innovation, and mission delivery.

This role is ideally suited for a forward-thinking financial executive who brings both technical excellence and strategic insight within complex, mission-driven environments.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

• Provide enterprise-wide financial leadership and strategic direction
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board Finance Committee
• Lead long-range financial planning, scenario modeling, and capital strategy
• Oversee financial reporting, audits, tax compliance, and investment oversight
• Direct the annual budgeting process and multi-year forecasting
• Strengthen internal controls, financial systems, and risk management frameworks
• Ensure compliance with all nonprofit regulatory and reporting requirements
• Partner cross-functionally to support programmatic and fundraising initiatives
• Lead and develop a high-performing finance function

**CANDIDATE PROFILE**

The ideal candidate is a seasoned financial executive with a strong track record of leadership in nonprofit, education, or similarly complex organizations. The CFO must be both strategic and hands-on, with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights.

**Key attributes include:**

• Executive presence and ability to influence at the Board level
• Deep expertise in nonprofit finance, compliance, and governance
• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills
• Collaborative leader with a commitment to mission-driven work
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professional judgment

**QUALIFICATIONS**

• 12–15+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, including executive-level roles
• CPA strongly preferred (or equivalent advanced financial credential)
• Demonstrated experience working with Boards and Finance Committees
• Expertise in financial planning & analysis, audit oversight, and internal controls
• Experience managing complex budgets and multiple funding streams
• Familiarity with nonprofit accounting systems (Financial Edge preferred)

**COMPENSATION & BENEFITS (BENCHMARKED)**

The anticipated compensation for this role is **competitive and commensurate with experience**, aligned with national benchmarks for nonprofit CFO positions within similarly sized and complex organizations in the education and arts sector.

• **Base Salary Range:** $170,000 – $185,000
• **Potential Additional Considerations:**
• Performance-based incentive or retention bonus (where applicable)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• Retirement plan participation
• Paid time off and institutional holidays

The final compensation package will be determined based on experience, credentials, and demonstrated impact in comparable leadership roles.

**SEARCH & SELECTION PROCESS**

This search is being conducted to identify a transformational financial leader capable of supporting the next phase of organizational growth and sustainability. Candidates should be prepared to engage in a multi-stage interview process, including interaction with executive leadership and members of the Board.

**APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS**

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and a cover letter detailing their leadership experience and alignment with the mission.

**Equal Opportunity Employer**

Duke Ellington School of the Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.